This policy aims to maximise the flexibility available to school communities in the configuration of the school day within the constraints of legislation and industrial agreements. The Director General determines the days in each year on which government schools are to be open for educational instruction of students.

Provides information about the functions and operation of public school Councils and Boards, along with advice that may assist Council and Board members to fulfil their consultative and decision-making roles.

The policy provides an operational framework to raise employees’ and line managers’ knowledge and understanding of entitlements and responsibilities related to leave eligibility, application and approval processes. It ensures that employees and line managers are informed about, leave procedures and leave management strategies under relevant Awards and Agreements.

The Department registers home educators and evaluates their educational programs and children’s progress.

Schools and residential facilities need to have appropriate security measures in place to protect school property and ensure a safe and secure environment for staff and students. A variety of approaches are needed for implementation of effective security.

Access to Department online services and Department owned devices is provided to assist the Department in achieving its goals. The Department expects employees to use these resources in an ethical, legal, appropriate and acceptable manner.

The Department of Education undertakes advertising in schools in accordance with the mandatory requirements for Western Australian Government agencies.

This CEO Instruction imposes an interim ban on the outdoor use of inflatable amusement structures, including bouncy castles and zorb balls, in public schools. This also applies to situations where school facilities are hired out or otherwise made available to the community or other third parties.

The principal or college manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of a public school or residential facility, including providing for the safety and welfare of students, staff and visitors on the site.

Animals can enrich students’ learning experiences, however schools must adhere to consistent and high quality practices for the care and use of animals. Staff are to adhere to the processes of the Schools Animal Ethics Committee for the use of animals for any scientific teaching activity and/or adhere to the processes of Agricultural Education for the use of animals on school farms.